WISS Secondary Student Planner + Handbook - Sept2020-Low Res-digital Use

May MONDAY - 3 May 3 - 9

MTWT F S S TUESDAY - 4 Labour Day Vacation
12
WEDNESDAY - 5 WISS SECONDARY STUDENT PLANNER  |  2020-2021
3456789
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 THURSDAY - 6
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
FRIDAY - 724 25 26 27 28 29 30

C.A. WEEKEND - 8, 9
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT PLANNER  |  2020-2021 May

May 10 - 16 MTWT F S S
12
C.A.
Design 3456789
English 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Hum. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Math 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
MOD
P.E.MONDAY - 10
Science
TUESDAY - 11
C.A.
DesignWEDNESDAY - 12
English
Hum.THURSDAY - 13
Math
MODFRIDAY - 14
P.E.
ScienceWEEKEND - 15, 16

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

May MONDAY - 17 May 17 - 23

MTWT F S S TUESDAY - 18 Student Led Conferences (No Classes)
12 Secondary Musical
THURSDAY - 20 WEDNESDAY - 19 Secondary Musical
3456789
FRIDAY - 2110 11 12 13 14 15 16 WISS SECONDARY STUDENT PLANNER  |  2020-2021
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 WEEKEND - 22, 23

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT PLANNER  |  2020-2021MONDAY - 24 May

May 24 - 30 TUESDAY - 25 MTWT F S S
12
C.A. THURSDAY - 27 WEDNESDAY - 26
Design 3456789
English FRIDAY - 28 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Hum. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Math 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
MOD
P.E. G12 Graduation
Science
WEEKEND - 29, 30
C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

June MONDAY - 31 May 31 - June 6

MTWT F S S TUESDAY - 1 WISS SECONDARY STUDENT PLANNER  |  2020-2021
31 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 WEDNESDAY - 2
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27THURSDAY - 3
28 29 30
FRIDAY - 4
C.A.
Design WEEKEND - 5, 6
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT PLANNER  |  2020-2021MONDAY - 7 June

June 7 - 13TUESDAY - 8 MTWT F S S
31 1 2 3 4 5 6
C.A.WEDNESDAY - 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Design 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
EnglishTHURSDAY - 10 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Hum. 28 29 30
MathFRIDAY - 11
MOD G10 Graduation
P.E.
ScienceWEEKEND - 12, 13

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

June MONDAY - 14 June 14 - 20

MTWT F S S TUESDAY - 15 Dragon Boat Festival
31 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 WEDNESDAY - 16 Last Day of School; WISSwide Reports
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 WISS SECONDARY STUDENT PLANNER  |  2020-2021
21 22 23 24 25 26 27THURSDAY - 17
28 29 30
FRIDAY - 18
C.A.
Design WEEKEND - 19, 20
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

C.A.
Design
English
Hum.
Math
MOD
P.E.
Science

“ To achie ve
great things,
two things are
needed; a plan,
and not quite
e n o u g h t i m e .”

Leonard Bernstein

WISS
SECONDARY
STUDENT
HANDBOOK

2020 - 2021

CONTENTS

OUR MISSION IN SECONDARY / 1 SECONDARY CAMPUS / 19

SECONDARY SCHOOL OFFICE / 2 • Main Lobby
• Email Contacts • Buildings A,B,C & S
• Phone Contact • Secondary Office & Principal’s Office
• Mailing Address • Nurse’s Office
• Secondary Library
SECONDARY HOURS OF OPERATION / 3 • Annex
• The School Day for Students • Orsini Theatre
• WISS Campus Hours • Secondary Cafe
• Art Studios
TRANSPORTATION / 4 • Film Studio
• Buses • Design Studios
• Cars • Music Rooms
• Bikes & Scooters • Tech Lab
• Pedestrians • Fitness Center
• WISS Uniform Shop
GETTING STARTED AT WISS / 6 • Cafeteria
• New Student Orientation • Gymnasium
• Advisory • Swimming Pool
• Academic Programmes & Courses • Tiger Hall
• Language Placement • Dance Studio
• Math Placement • Fields
• Schedule
• Lockers ACADEMICS / 32
• Uniform
• Technology (Computers, Email, ManageBac) • IB Curriculum
• Homework and Reading
• Assessment
• Student Planner

STUDENT SUPPORT / 35 WISS RULES & EXPECTATIONS / 48
• Academic Support
• Social-Emotional Support • Attendance
• University & Careers Guidance • Dress Code
• Academic Honesty
ACADEMIC RECORDS / 37 • Personal Items
• Progress Reports • Electronics
• Transcripts • Food & Gum
• Predicted IB Scores • Elevators
• The WISS Diploma • Bullying
• MYP Certificates • Social Media
• The IB Diploma • Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco
• Weapons and Dangerous Objects
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/GUARDIANS / 39 • Fighting, Stealing, Vandalizing,
• Parent/Guardian Conferences
• Student Led Conferences Sexual Misconduct,
and Other Concerning Behavior
THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY / 40 • Public Displays of Affection
• WISS-Wide Events • Air Pollution
• Secondary Events • Emergency Evacuation
• Sports & Athletics • Chinese Law
• After School Activities (ASA)
• Other Secondary Activities WISS CODE OF CONDUCT / 56
• Service
LEAVING WISS / 57

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

OUR MISSION
IN SECONDARY

What We Strive to Do...

The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) cultivates healthy,
balanced, confident and ethical people; striving to challenge and stimulate
students to inquire, wonder, discover, and create each day. We aim to send
into the world brave, compassionate, internationally minded global citizens
with the skill and intellect to help shape the future. As a community, we set
a high bar for our learners by embracing the International Baccalaureate (IB)
curriculum and the IB Learner Profile which outlines ten attributes that we
want all our students to strive to embody: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers,
communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk takers, balanced, and
reflective.
1
In the Secondary School, the journey for our children from the start of
Grade 6 to graduation day in Grade 12 is one of tremendous growth in self-
discovery and intellect. As part of a vibrant international community, we
embrace all our learners and provide the support and the structure to allow
our students to develop into mature, confident, and independent young men
and women ready for the world’s challenges. Our core values of being child-
focused, compassionate, academically balanced, diversity driven, and future
oriented help shape how we work with our students and achieve our goals
as educators.

At the heart of the work that we do in the Secondary School is the IB
curriculum. We strive to embrace not only the rigors of the academics
but also the holistic aspect of the program which addresses a student’s full
learning self. As such, all students in Grades 6-10 are required to participate
in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). In Grades 11 & 12, students have
the opportunity to choose one of three options to complete their studies: IB
Diploma Programme (DP), IB Career-related Programme (CP), or a selection
of IB courses which results in the WISS High School Diploma.

In addition, we provide many opportunities for students to participate in
activities and sports which allow them to grow and develop as individuals
outside the classroom. For example, we offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s
International Award Programme, Model United Nations, the Stoke City
Football Club, Saturday School (a volunteer opportunity which allows
students to teach English to the local community), the Global Alliance for
Innovative Learning, and Internship Opportunities.

We welcome all to our learning community!

2

SECONDARY
SCHOOL OFFICE

How you can contact the school...

Email Contacts: Assistant to the Principal, Tammy Xia [email protected]
Office Admin Assistant Olivia Wang [email protected]

Phone Contact: (+86) 21-6976-6388 ext. 1036
Mailing Address: Western International School of Shanghai

No. 555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town
Shanghai, Qing Pu District PRC 201702
上海西华外籍人员子女学校
上海市青浦区徐泾镇联民路555号（靠近沪青平公路）
邮编：201702

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

3

SECONDARY
HOURS OF OPERATION

When school is in session...

THE SCHOOL DAY FOR STUDENTS

Monday - Friday 8:30a.m.-3:20p.m.
Please note that students are expected to arrive to school by 8:20a.m. to make it
on time to class which starts promptly at 8:30a.m.

WISS CAMPUS HOURS

Monday - Friday 8:00a.m.-3:20p.m.
Please note that students may not be on campus outside the school hours of
operation, including the weekends, unless directly supervised by a member of
staff.

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

How you can travel to and from school…

BUS Bus Behavior Expectations 4

WISS offers an extensive bus service for It is expected that students will be polite at
students which covers a number of important all times and act on the bus as they would
neighborhoods around the Shanghai act in school. Poor behavior on the bus
metropolitan area. If you are a new student may result in disciplinary action, and, in
and would like to ride a bus to and from school, serious or repeated cases of misbehavior, it
your parents will need to make arrangements could result in a student’s bus service being
through our admissions office by email at suspended or terminated. Here are the WISS
[email protected]. rules for riding on the bus safely:

Once arrangements are made, you will be • Take your seat promptly and sit
assigned a bus number, and you will board properly, facing forward at all times.
your bus at an agreed upon time and location
in Shanghai near your home. Each bus has an • Place backpacks under your seat or on
adult bus monitor who will take attendance your lap.
and ensure good behavior.
• Keep the aisle of the bus clear at all
• Morning Pick-Up: Drivers will wait two times.
minutes for you and then depart in order
to get to school on time. Please note that • Always keep your head, hands and
delays may occur because of traffic and arms inside the bus.
other natural hindrances. Bus monitors
will notify families when possible. It is • Throwing objects inside or outside of
recommended that you exchange contact the bus is not permitted.
information with other students on the
bus so that you can keep up-to-date on • Talk quietly; the driver needs to
delays. concentrate to safely drive the bus.

• Afternoon Departure: Buses depart from • Fighting, shouting, or use of obscene
WISS Monday through Friday promptly language is not permitted.
at 3:30 p.m. If government regulations
permit after school activities, there will • Be absolutely quiet when approaching
be a late bus with a reduced number of a railroad crossing.
stops which leaves at 5 p.m. each weekday.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you • Participate in all bus evacuation
are on the correct bus in the main parking procedures.
lot at the time of departure. At the drop-
off point, your parents should be there • Dangerous, disturbing, or annoying
to meet you, unless they have given you objects are not permitted on the bus.
approval to make your own way home.
• Always follow the bus driver’s and bus
monitor’s instructions.

• Wear a seat belt and wear a mask
when mandated.

At times, concerns may come up with bus
service. If you or your parents have feedback
to share or have questions, please be sure to
email [email protected].

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

CARS

If your parents would like to drop you off at
school in the morning, they will use the front
gate on Lian Min Rd. They should also pick
you up at the same gate in the afternoon at the
conclusion of the school day. Please note that
cars may not access the school parking lot.

BIKES & SCOOTERS

Students may use a bike or a scooter to get to

campus if permitted by their parents. Please

note that all students must use a helmet, and

they must use the main gate on Lian Min Rd. to

access campus and park their bike or scooter in

the designated parking areas near the security

5 guard desks. You may not ride your bike or
scooter anywhere on campus at any time.

PEDESTRIANS

The best way to arrive at school! Feel free to use
the Lian Min gate at any time during regular
hours of operation.

GETTING STARTED
AT WISS

What you need to know as a new student…

6

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

If you are new to our community, we wish you a warm WISS welcome! As we want to ensure
that your transition into our community is a smooth one, we offer an orientation session for
you and all the other new students.

As part of your orientation process, you will:
• Meet some of your teachers and other new students in a school-wide assembly.
• Meet your new advisor.
• Go on a tour of the school and learn more about school facilities.
• Receive a schedule for your classes.
• Receive a WISS student handbook/planner and review important highlights.
• Take a Language placement exam (Math as well for students in Grades 9 and 10).
• Log-in to a WISS computer, school email, and ManageBac (our school information
management system).
• Find your locker.
• Purchase a school uniform and a PHE kit.

If you arrive later in the year, you will have a similar orientation session, but it will be one-
on-one in format. One key difference is that you will be assigned a returning student “buddy”
7 who will show you around school and ensure that you are well taken care of.

Ms. Mosher and Mr. Matheson oversee the orientation process, and they will be your primary
contacts for any questions you might have as you transition to WISS. Please do not hesitate to
reach out.

They can be reached by email at [email protected] and [email protected].

ADVISORY 8

Each academic year you will be assigned an advisor who will serve as an adult mentor to you
as you progress at WISS. Your advisor will also act as a first point-of-contact for your parents
on issues other than subject-specific matters. You will meet with your advisor daily with
a small group of students. During advisory, you will have the opportunity to participate in
activities and explore discussion topics outside the rigors and pace of the normal school day.
This is a time that is set aside for you and your classmates to work on the following:

• Personal Growth – Your advisor will help you to set, strive for, measure, and attain goals
for behavior, learning, and social relationships.

• Academic Growth – Your advisor will monitor and review your academic progress and
help you become a more productive learner.

• Community Connection – Your advisor, classmates, and other adults in our community
will provide opportunities for you to participate in group activities with members of
your advisory, grade level cohort, and the full school community.

• International-Mindedness – Your advisor will provide opportunities for group discussion
in a safe and welcoming space on real-life issues affecting the world and our community.

• Service - Your advisor and service coordinator will provide opportunities for reflection
on service work as part of our core IB requirements.

As an International Baccalaureate school, we are committed to incorporating the IB into all
we do as educators. To this end, a key component of our work in advisory and, directly related
to the five pillars outlined above, are the IB Approaches to Learning skills (ATLs). Our hope
is that students will be able to reflect purposefully on their learning in advisory in order to
support their success in the MYP, DP, and CP academic programmes.

We know that parents and students can have strong feelings about advisory placement. While
we appreciate feedback, we are unable to grant teacher preference requests.

If you have any questions about advisory, please contact Ms. Mosher and Mr. Matheson at
[email protected] and [email protected].

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

9

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES & COURSES

When you arrive at school, you will be assigned courses as part of our Middle Years Programme
(MYP) in grades 6-10, Diploma Programme (DP) in grades 11 & 12, or Career-Related Programme
(CP) in grades 11 & 12. Detailed information about these courses of study can be found on the
International Baccalaureate website at www.ibo.org.
If you are a student in grades 6-10, you will take the following courses in MYP:
Middle Years Programme (MYP) Courses

• English: Language & Literature or Language Acquisition
• Additional Language: Language & Literature or Language Acquisition (WISS offers a wide

array of language options)
• Individuals and Societies: Integrated Humanities
• Integrated Sciences
• Mathematics (Standard or Extended in Grades 9-10)
• Creative Arts - Options may include Drama, Music, Visual Arts, or Media
• Integrated Design
• Physical & Health Education (PHE)
• Studies (Grade 10 Service as Action and Personal Project)
For questions regarding your academic programme in MYP, please reach out to Mr. D’Airelle
at [email protected].

10

If you are a student entering into grades 11 & 12, you will have two options of course study
from which to choose: the Diploma Programme (DP) or the Career-Related Programme (CP). The
DP provides a well-rounded education that requires students to take a broad range of courses.
The CP provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of passion in depth through
a rigorous, career-focused programme of study. The CP can be personalised and tailored to the
aspirations of each individual student.
You will take the following courses depending on your programme of study:

Diploma Programme (DP) Courses
• English: Language & Literature or Language Acquisition
• Second Language: Language & Literature or Language Acquisition (WISS offers a wide array
of language options as well as individual self-study programmes)
• Individuals and Societies: Business Management, Economics, Geography, and History
• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design Technology and Environmental Systems &
Societies
• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Applications and Interpretation
• Arts: Theatre, Film, Music, Visual Arts
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS) & Extended Essay (EE)

Please note that you will need to select three courses at the standard level and at the higher level
(TOK & CAS excluded).

For questions regarding your academic programme in the DP, please reach out to Ms. Singleton
at [email protected].

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES & COURSES (CONTINUED)

Career-related Programme (CP) Courses
• Sustainability Management from SUMAS as an eLEarning Pathway, Sports, or an eLearning
pathway in an Art and Design programme of your choice through the Savannah College
of Art & Design (SCAD).
• Personal & Professional Skills (PPS).
• Two to four IBDP courses from the selection offered above.

The CP also includes a Service Learning and Language Development component, along with
the Reflective Project.
For questions regarding your academic programme in the CP, please reach out to
Mr. Paterson at [email protected].

11

12

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

LANGUAGE PLACEMENT

When you arrive at WISS, we will need to determine your level
of English ability in Grades 6-10 so that we can ensure that you
are placed into the appropriate courses. Therefore, you will take
an English language placement exam. The results of this exam
will determine what English course you take. In addition, it will
determine whether you will take an English as an Additional
Language course or whether you will study another language such
as Chinese, Spanish, French, German, or Korean. For questions about
language placement, please reach out to
Mr. Mosher at [email protected]
and Ms. Ness at [email protected].

13 MATH PLACEMENT

At WISS, students are not grouped in Mathematics by ability in
Grades 6-8. However, as students move towards the upper grade
levels in Grades 9 and 10, we do offer standard and extended courses
to ensure that all our students are fully prepared for the rigorous
expectations of Math courses in Grades 11 and 12. As such, if you
are a student entering into Grades 9 & 10, you will be asked to take a
math placement test to see which course of Mathematics is the best
fit for you. For more questions about math placement, please reach
out to Ms. Kim at [email protected].

SCHEDULE

Each year at the start of school, you will receive a schedule for the academic year. There
are a total of 6 periods, each 55 minutes in length (with the exception of Period 1 which is
60 minutes with a 5-minute announcement time included). There is also a 20-minute snack
period in the morning and a 40-minute lunch period in the afternoon.

WISS operates on a 5-day schedule Monday through Friday with a Week 1 and a Week 2
rotation. You will need to make sure that you know which week it is so that you can follow
the correct schedule.

Here is a sample schedule for one day for a student in Grade 10:

TUESDAY – WEEK 2

Period Time Class
1
2 8:30-9:20 Math

3 9:25-10:15 English
4
5 SNACK (10:15-10:35)

6 10:35-11:25 Creative Arts
7
11:30-12:20 Science

12:25-12:45 Advisory

LUNCH (12:50-1:30) 14

1:35-2:25 Humanities

2:30-3:20 Chinese

LOCKERS

You will be assigned a locker for the year by homeroom section. Lockers are housed on the
first three floors of the Secondary building. Lockers are a place where you can store your
belongings, including books, notebooks, clothing, and valuables. Please note that you will
need to purchase a personal padlock and attach it to your locker. Lockers are assigned at
random and cannot be moved once assigned unless there is a special circumstance. At the
end of the year, all students must remove their locks and empty their lockers of all their
belongings. If items are left over the summer, they will be discarded. For questions regarding
lockers, please reach out to your advisor.

UNIFORM

Before your first day of classes, you and your family should stop by the
WISS Uniform Shop to pick up your school uniform, PHE kit, and other
special clothing requirements for activities as needed. Please see the
section called “Dress Code” in this handbook for more details.

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

TECHNOLOGY

At WISS, you will have access to a broad range of technology,
including the following:

• Computers - You will be able to use both desktop computers
in our tech labs as well as laptop computers around the school.
Please note that you may also bring your own devices as well.

• Email - You will have your own school email address which
you can use to send email back and forth to members of our
school community.

• ManageBac - ManageBac is our school information management
system. Through ManageBac, you will be able to access your
daily class schedule, view important course information,
dates and deadlines, submit assignments, and monitor your
performance.

15 When you arrive, there are three important steps that you will need
to take in order to get started:

1. Log-in to a WISS Computer - When you log-in to a WISS
computer for the first time, you will need to input your
username and your temporary password. As a WISS student,
you will be assigned a username which will have the following
formula (with variation on occasion):

Graduation Year + First Initial + Last Name
For example, if your name is Natalie Green, and your graduation
year is 2021, your WISS ID will be 21ngreen.

Your temporary password will be assigned to you upon
entrance to the school.

Once you enter in your credentials (your WISS ID and
temporary password), you will be prompted to change your
password to one of your choosing. Please be sure to select a
password that you will remember and one that others will
not guess. We highly recommend that you write down your
password so that you do not lose it.

2. Log-in to your Email - Once you have logged-in to a computer for the first 16
time, you will be able to access your email. Open up a browser and type in
the address: o365.wiss.cn. Once you are there, enter your credentials (your
FULL WISS email address and new password). You will now be all set to
send and receive emails through your account. Your email address will
have the email domain @wiss.cn. In the example above, the student’s email
would be [email protected].

3. Log-in to ManageBac - In your email, you will find a welcome email
sent by ManageBac. When you click on the link you will be taken to the
address: https://wiss.managebac.com. You will now be prompted to create a
password. ManageBac will require that you create what is called a “strong”
password. This is a password which will require the use of lower and upper
case letters, numbers, and signs such as #, $, or !. You may have to try
out several possibilities before settling in on a password. Once you have
successfully created a password, you can log-in.

Please note that your log-in is your FULL EMAIL address not just your WISS
ID.

With our example above, the student log-in would be [email protected]. Be sure
to write down your password. If you forget your password, you can click on the
“forgot password” link on the log-in page and an email will be sent to you.

These three steps should get you started! You may have additional questions
regarding printing, wifi, and document storage. For more information, please see
the WISS IT Guide below.

If you have further questions regarding the use of your WISS ID and computer/
email access, please email our WISS IT support team at [email protected].

Please note that our WISS IT support team does not provide assistance with
ManageBac.

For any questions regarding Managebac,
please email Mr. Matheson at [email protected].

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

GETTING STARTED

WISS IT GUIDE
FOR STUDENTS

WISS Network Login
When you first arrive you will be given a system account (username
and password)

You can change your password anytime you are on campus and
logged into a WISS computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL and
choosing ‘Change Password’. Change your password as soon as
possible. Do not share your new password with anyone.

WISS Email
On campus use the Outlook mail application to access your email.
Off campus use any web browser and type the URL o365.wiss.cn.
17 You will be asked for a username and password, enter your WISS
username and your password.

Document Access and Storage
We use Sharepoint for storing all our collaborative documents, for
use from any modern browser on an internet-connected computer.
Sharepoint sites and documents are internally facing only, meaning
they only can be accessed by those with a wiss.cn account.
Sharepoint documents by default are shared with each Sharepoint
site’s membership group.

While Sharepoint is primarily for collaboration and shared group
files, OneDrive is where you should store your private work files.
OneDrive files are NOT shared by default. You may use your WISS
Microsoft 365 OneDrive for storing documents in the cloud. You
may also set up your OneDrive app to sync your files from the cloud
to your local machine. Your files will also be accessible from any
modern browser on an internet-connected computer.

Printers
When you print from any WISS computer select the WISS RICOH
printer. You may collect your prints from any WISS printer you
choose. To login to any WISS printer type in your WISS network
login name and password. Once logged in you will see a list of files
that you sent to the printer. Touch to highlight the file(s) you want
then choose to print (or delete). The printers can also scan documents
to email and photocopy.

Printer limits: 300 RMB in black&white, 100 pages of colour copies. 18

You can also use the WISS printers to print from your own personal computers.
You can find all the details in our online helpdesk: http://wissshanghai.freshdesk.
c o m /s o l ut i o n /a r t i c l e s / 4 0 0 0 1 0 8 3 1 3 - u s e - y o u r - p e r s o n a l - d e v i c e - t o - p r i n t - t o - w i s s -
printers

WIFI
If you are a WISS Student, have a wiss.cn account and wish to connect to the
WIFI with YOUR PERSONAL DEVICE (NOT a WISS-owned device) then you
should use the WISS-Student wifi. You will be prompted to enter your WISS
login details in the page that pops up. You will need to do this daily.

Getting More Support
If you have any IT issues please email IT Support ([email protected]).

If you have any questions or would like to know more about how you can use
the IT systems at WISS please checkout out Helpdesk at http://wissshanghai.
freshdesk.com/helpdesk. If asked to sign-up please use your WISS email address.
Here are some popular guides:

• Accessing the WISS WIFI: http://wissshanghai.freshdesk.com/solution/
articles/4000108647-how-do-i-use-the-wifi-at-wiss-

• Use your personal device to print to WISS printers: http://wissshanghai.
f re s h d e s k . c o m /s o l ut i o n /a r t i c l e s / 4 0 0 0 1 0 8 3 1 3 - u s e - y o u r - p e r s o n a l - d e v i c e -
to-print-to-wiss-printers

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

SECONDARY
19 CAMPUS

What facilities are available to you as a student…

The Secondary School is housed primarily in a single building which is a
modern white five story structure located at the far end of the main parking
lot. Here is a guide to all the important places you might stop by while at
school:

MAIN LOBBY

This is the main entrance area where students, parents, and guests arrive
when visiting Secondary. The principal will greet you here each morning as
you enter school.

20

BUILDINGS A, B, C & S

Off the main lobby is the main hallway which leads to three separate wings which are named
alphabetically as A, B, and C. As you enter the lobby, Building A is to the right and Buildings B
and C are to the left. In addition, on the second and third floors between Buildings B & C WISS
houses its Science classes. These rooms are labeled S.

WISS Tip! You can find the location of classrooms easily using the following formula: The
first letter of the classroom refers to the building, the first number refers to the floor, and the
second number after the period refers to the position of the room on the floor. For example, if
you are looking for C 2.3, you will go to Building C, second floor, third room down the hallway.

SECONDARY OFFICE & PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE

As you enter school and turn left off the main lobby, you will find in Building B the Secondary
Office. The Secondary Office is the communication hub for students who are entering and
exiting the building and is a good place to go if there are questions throughout the day. Right
next to the Secondary Office is the principal’s office where students should go if they need to
speak with the principal about important issues that may arise at school.

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

NURSE’S OFFICE

In the main corridor between Buildings B and C, you will find the nurse’s office, which is
a safe place to go to when you might be feeling sick or down. The goal of the WISS school
nursing team is to ensure that you stay healthy throughout the school day. When thinking
about visiting a nurse for medical help, consider whether your symptoms fall into the 7 B’s:

• Bleeding
• Breathing badly (Asthma attack)
• Broken bones
• Barfing (vomiting)
• Burning up (fever)
• Bee Sting
• Big Bump (including head injury)

If you have allergies, infections or a chronic condition, please let the nursing team know at
the start of the year so that they can help manage your condition. Our nursing team can
administer medication with both a doctor’s prescription and parental permission (basic
medications such as aspirin only require parental permission). Please note that our nurses
cannot provide medical diagnoses or prescribe medication.

If you were to be involved in an accident or an emergency medical situation, our nurses are
21 available as first responders. First aid will be administered, and your parents will be contacted

about the situation.

Illness

ALL students who are absent to illness are required to be cleared by a medical doctor and
bring in a medical certificate.

• Absent due to fever student must remain at home for 48hrs from the last fever and have
a medical certificate.

• Absent due to Stomach ache with diarrhea and or vomiting student must remain home
for 72 hours from last episode and have a medical certificate.

• Absent due to stomach ache no diarrhea or vomiting student must remain home for 24
hrs and have a medical certificate.

• Absent due to multiple respiratory symptoms with no fever student must be home for
24hrs and have a medical certificate.

Students with allergies must have an current medical certificate ( within in the last 1 month)
stating they have allergies. Symptoms that occur after this time will require a new medical
certificate.

If the student has only a runny nose and no other symptoms they can come to school. However
if during the health check other symptoms are found or develop during the day the student
will be sent home and will be required to see an medical dr and get a medical certificate.

One special note from our nurses: If you are ill, please stay home and rest up!

For any questions you might have regarding nursing,
please email Nurse Lexie at [email protected].

SECONDARY LIBRARY 22

Between Buildings B and C on the first floor, you will find the WISS Library which serves the
whole school community. The Primary section of the library is in the main room with the
circulation desk as you walk through the main entrance, and the Secondary section is on the
right through a side entrance door.

Library Usage

The Secondary Library is a central hub of activity at WISS where you may wish to do the
following activities:

• Study for classes
• Complete homework assignments
• Read for school or pleasure
• Borrow books or other library materials
• Print from the copier
• Work in small group study rooms
• Consult with a librarian

The library is also a place of instruction. Throughout the year, you will have classes in the
library with the Secondary Librarian in connection with your coursework.

Library Visit Times

The library is open during school hours.

The best times to visit are before school, snack break, lunch, or after school. The library is a
hub of activity during snack and lunch time. Also, if you are in Grade 11 or Grade 12, you may
also use the library during your study periods. The library is open after school as permitted
by the local government.

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

Borrowing Books and Library Materials

You may check-out and borrow books or library materials at any point throughout the year
at the main circulation desk. To search for a book, you can utilize our Destiny online search
catalogue at http://library.wiss.cn.

A Secondary student may borrow 10 books at one time. These totals do not include textbooks
or whole-class novels read in English and other language classes.

All books (except textbooks) are due back to the library within three weeks. However, you
may renew books for a longer checkout as needed through the library staff. Please note the
following about borrowing books and other library materials:

• The person who borrows library materials is responsible for paying for a replacement
if the materials are lost or damaged. If you have lost or damaged materials, please see a
librarian right away.

23 • You may only borrow library materials for yourself. Students are not allowed to borrow
materials for other students. Any student who chooses to borrow materials for another
person will be responsible for anything he/she checks out, even if another student loses
or damages it.

• If you pay to replace a lost book, then find it later, you may bring it to the library for a
refund. This must be done within the school year the book was lost, or if found over the
summer, within the first week of school. If you pay for a book and find it two years later,
it is yours to keep.

• If you have library materials that are overdue, notices will be delivered automatically
through your WISS email account once each week. Be sure to check your email regularly
and notify library staff if you believe you received an overdue notice in error.

Electronic Resources

In addition to the collection of materials in print, WISS has a wide variety of electronic
resources available to you as a Secondary student. For more information about electronic
resources and databases, please email Ms. Kirchoff at [email protected].

Library Expectations 24

When using the library, please adhere to the following rules:

• Students may only be in the library during library hours. There must be a library staff
member present for a student to enter.

• Backpacks and bags are usually permitted in the Secondary library. However, if there
is a large group of students in the library for a presentation or lesson, students may be
asked to store backpacks and bags outside in the cubbies. This is at the discretion of the
librarian and will be communicated upon entry. Be sure to take all belongings with you
upon exit.

• Students who are listening to music or watching class-related videos must use headphones
at all times.

• Group work and conversations in the study rooms should not disturb others. Please note
that these rooms are not soundproof.

• Light snacks and finger-foods (crackers, granola bars, etc.) are permitted. Food should
not have a strong odor and should not be heard when eaten. Per WISS rules, food from
the cafeteria must be eaten in the cafeteria. Food, including the crumbs, must be cleaned
upon exiting the library.

• All drinks should have a lid or cap.
• Be sure to take care of your books and library materials and return them on time!

If you have any questions regarding the library, please email Ms. Kirchoff at jkirchoff@wiss.
cn.

ANNEX

Next to the library on the first floor you will find the Annex. This a large multi-purpose room
which is often reserved by teachers for grade level activities or audiovisual presentations.

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

ORSINI THEATRE

As you make your way towards the
back of the Secondary building on
the first floor, you will find our main
theatre between Buildings B and C.
This theater is used for theater tech
classes, productions and shows, and
large events. It is also the location of
our Secondary assemblies. Please note
that backpacks and bags are not allowed
in the theater. All bags must be stored
outside in the cubbies provided. Food
and drink are also not allowed at any
time. There is also a Black Box Theatre
on the second floor in Building B which
theater students also use throughout
the year. For questions about the Orsini
Theatre, please contact Ms. Nwenwu at
[email protected].
25

SECONDARY CAFE

Next to the Orsini Theatre is the Secondary Cafe. The cafe is open from 9a.m.-2p.m, or as
permitted by local government. Students may purchase drinks and snacks here and relax
during the morning snack time and afternoon lunch hour. Students in Grades 11 & 12 may use
the cafe during their study periods. Please note that bags may not be left unattended in the
cafe area.

ART STUDIOS 26

Also in the back of the Secondary building on the first floor between Building A and B are
our Art Studios which have five classrooms with specialized areas for print, clay, textiles and
digital art with potters’ wheels, sewing machines, and other useful tools for producing your
artwork. Our digital lab, ‘Square One’ houses 17 MacBooks with Adobe Creative Cloud installed
to tackle the most complex digital imaginings either directly or working with the Wacom
drawing pads. There are also numerous spaces for exhibiting art throughout the building. For
questions regarding the art studios, please contact Ms. Guay at [email protected].

FILM STUDIO

On the second floor, at the end of Building B, you will find our film studio which serves as our
media production hub for MYP Media and DP Film. We have purpose-built media workstations,
DSLR cameras, gimbals, mics and audio recorders and a host of other production tools to help
support media students in creating state of the art audio-visual works. There is also an HD
projector and 5.1 surround system for film viewing. For questions about the film studio, please
contact Mr. McDowall at [email protected].

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

27

DESIGN STUDIOS

In Building C on the first floor, you will find our state of the art design studios. The design
studios offer both product and digital design. We have a creation studio together with a Mac
lab for designing and creating the physical products along with a digital design studio for
the teaching of specialties such as Web, Game and Architectural Design. We have a suite of
10 3D printers from beginner level through to advanced level with our rapid prototyping
machine along with a high powered laser cutting machine for automated product fabrication.
In addition, robotics is offered as an after-school activity in Studio 4. For questions about the
design studios, please contact Mr. Smith at [email protected].

MUSIC ROOMS 28

In Building A on the first floor, you will find our
music wing. The music rooms at WISS open up many
artistic possibilities for our MYP and DP students.
There is a soundproofed spacious room set with
computers and recording interfaces for you to
work on projects. At the same time the rooms are
equipped with various instruments, that allow for
many combinations of groups to perform. A great
feature of the music rooms is that there are three
practice rooms, soundproofed and also equipped
with computers and instruments. For questions
about the music rooms, please contact Mr. Nicolas
at [email protected].

TECH LAB

There is one tech lab where students have access to computers - Room A 2.5. Students will
regularly go to the tech lab for classes. Please note that students may not use the tech lab
without an adult present. Laptops are available in the library during snack and lunch. For
questions about the tech lab, please contact our tech team at [email protected].

FITNESS CENTER

On top of the Science wing, there is a small gymnasium used for PHE classes as well as other
small group activities. The Fitness Center has treadmills, stationary bicycles and a variety of
free weights as well as a quiet area for activities such as yoga.

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

Important Areas on Campus Outside the Main Building...

WISS UNIFORM SHOP

As you approach the Secondary building by the main
lobby, you will see the WISS Uniform Shop on the left at
the front of the building. You can purchase your school
uniform and PHE kit here as well as other WISS clothing
items. There is also WISS swag! All families are provided
a 1,000RMB per semester per child subsidy which can be
used to purchase uniform items. For questions about the
WISS Uniform Shop, please contact Ms. Ana Hu at ahu@
wiss.cn.

CAFETERIA

The WISS cafeteria, where you will have snack in the
29 morning and eat lunch in the afternoon, is located on the

first floor of the Primary building close to the main gate.
Please note that when you arrive for lunch, you will need
to follow an established traffic protocol. All students need
to enter the cafeteria on the far end near the gymnasium.
(Yes, even if it is cold outside, you will need to walk around
the building!) You will then exit through the door closest to the Secondary building near the tray drop
off area.

WISS food service is provided through Carena Catering. The costs for snack and lunch are covered for you
by tuition and do not require payment from you out of pocket. You may bring a bagged lunch from home
if you wish, but please note that you will not have access to a kitchen for heating or cooling purposes.

The cafeteria offers a range of food options for lunch which always include vegetarian items. There are
daily hot lunch options and a salad bar. You are welcome to help yourself to any food item you like, but
WISS kindly requests that you eat the food that you take. Plates and utensils must remain in the cafeteria.

Please note that there is open seating in the cafeteria, and you may sit at any of the tables. However,
there is a section reserved for teachers. For questions about the cafeteria, please contact Dr. Brunton at
[email protected].

GYMNASIUM

Next to the cafeteria in the Primary building is the gymnasium. You will go to the gym for
your PHE classes. At the start and end of class, you will be given a few minutes to change into
and later out of your school PHE kit which consists of a t-shirt and pair of shorts which can be
purchased in the WISS Uniform Shop. All students must wear closed-toed athletic shoes with
rubber soles in the gym. Locker rooms for changing are right outside the main gym entrance.
Please note that you must change at the conclusion of class. PHE uniforms cannot be worn
throughout the school day.
The gym is also used for sports and team activities after-school and on the weekends. Students
must be supervised at all times in the gym by an adult on staff at WISS. Also, you are expected
to use good judgment in the gym and not rough house or use equipment in an unsafe manner.
Any equipment used must be returned to its original spot. You may not bring food or drink
into the gym, except for water. For questions about the gymnasium, please contact Coach
Anderson at [email protected].

30

SWIMMING POOL

Also on the first floor of the red Primary building you will find the main WISS swimming pool.
Just as in the case of the gymnasium, students may not be unsupervised at the swimming pool.
Students must be supervised at all times at the pool by an adult on staff at WISS. As such the
best way to use the swimming pool is for you to be a member of our swimming team. Students
must be in proper bathing attire at the pool (one-piece bathing suits only), and they should
wear only flip-flops or swimming designed shoes in the area. Swimming caps are required for
all students and goggles are recommended. For questions about the swimming pool, please
contact Coach Anderson at [email protected].

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

TIGER HALL

Next to Building A of the Secondary building is Tiger Hall.
This a large multi-purpose facility which is used for PHE
classes, large events, and other WISS-related activities. It
also houses the largest screen and projector on campus.

DANCE STUDIO

Next to Tiger Hall across from Building A is the Dance
Studio. This space is used both for theater and dance
classes. When attending these classes, you are encouraged
to wear comfortable black clothing which you can change
into and out of before and after class in the small changing
rooms outside the main entrance. For questions about the
31 dance studio, please contact Ms. Nwenwu at snwenwu@
wiss.cn.

FIELDS

We have three fields available for your use at WISS. In the front of the secondary school building,
there are two grass fields for play and activity during snack and lunch. Behind the school, students
have access to a larger artificial turf field with seats for audience participants. This back field also has
a number of areas designated for track and field purposes such as a 100msprint track for running and a
long jump/triple jump pit. Students may not use the back field unsupervised.

ACADEMICS

What you will learn at WISS…

32

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

IB CURRICULUM

At the heart of all we do at WISS is the IB curriculum. We believe as a school that the IB
provides a strong foundation for our students’ growth as learners and individuals.

Though we have much to share on this topic, please note that the goal of this student
handbook is not to provide a detailed description of our academic programmes but to give you
an overview of what to expect as a student at WISS. As such, we encourage you to go online
and learn more about the various IB programmes we offer at www.ibo.org. We also have a
general overview of our programmes in the section called, “Academic Programmes & Courses”
at the start of this handbook.

For questions about specific programmes of study please contact our academic coordinators:

Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator (Grades 6-10)
Mr. D’Airelle [email protected]

33 Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator (Grades 11 & 12)
Ms. Singleton [email protected]

Career-related Programme (CP) Coordinator (Grades 11 & 12)
Mr. Paterson [email protected]

HOMEWORK AND READING

The purpose of homework at WISS is to support, enhance and extend the work done in school
during the day and to provide practice in key concepts and methods. But this does not mean
that homework is always merely example problems in Math or practice and worksheets. In
line with our MYP approach we will often give homework that requires reading and then
a thoughtful response, at higher grades this response will need to be increasingly nuanced.
While with traditional homework there seems to be something of a game or challenge to get
through a great deal of work as quickly as possible, we will encourage students to do work
carefully and thoughtfully.

Reading, in particular, is best done, slowly, thoughtfully and reflectively. Reading may be the
most crucial part of our education. We encourage you to try to read, even a little, every night,
both in the mother tongue and in English. For performance on standardized verbal tests, no
preparation is as strong as regular reading of sufficiently challenging materials.

Each course requires a different amount of practice and review from home. At times, the
homework may increase slightly, while at other times it may be minimal. Teachers try to
remain conscious of the requirements of other classes when assigning homework in order not
to overload students.

ASSESSMENT 34

The prime objective of assessment is to support student
learning. At WISS, a balanced and comprehensive
approach to assessment will include planned
opportunities for pre-assessment, formative assessment,
and summative assessment. In certain circumstances,
diagnostic assessments are also used to inform teachers
about student’s individual learning needs.

In the MYP, each summative task can be graded with
a set of criteria with more specific level descriptors.
Each criterion is assessed independently using a best-
fit model. There are 4 criteria in each subject and each
criterion is weighed the same (a maximum of 8 marks
can be awarded). The marks awarded for each criterion
are added together to give the total mark (out of 32) for
the subject. A 1-7 grade is awarded based on the grading
rubric at the end of the reporting period.

In the DP and CP, students are measured against the
Diploma Programme assessment criteria to judge levels
of attainment. The final assessments are mostly external
and include examinations or work completed during the
course and sent to an external examiner. Some of the
final summative work is internal and is marked by the
subject teacher before it is moderated by an external IB
examiner.

For the CP Sports and Production Arts pathways, there
is an additional Pearsons BTEC qualification which is
assessed continuously against a detailed rubric to judge
the level of attainment (Pass, Merit, or Distinction).
These internal assessments are verified internally and are subject to external verification
procedures by Pearsons BTEC.

For the CP Art and Design pathway through SCAD, students are subject to SCAD’s assessment
policy and procedures and will be assessed against their determined criteria for each course.

STUDENT PLANNER

One of your responsibilities at WISS is to ensure that you are keeping track of your assignments
and are able to complete them on time. To help, all students in Grades 6-10 are provided a
student planner as part of their student handbook. We highly encourage that you use this
to keep yourself organized and on track. However, if you prefer another method such as an
online calendar, you are welcome to utilize that method.

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

35 STUDENT SUPPORT

Where you can find help for your success...

Student support in the Secondary School falls into three broad categories: academic support,
social-emotional support, and university and career guidance. All three types of support are
critical in helping you reach your full potential at WISS and beyond.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

WISS is committed to helping you reach your academic potential. To this end, the community
is guided by the belief that effective support for learning must be based on an inclusive and
collaborative approach. WISS believes and respects the fact that children and teenagers
have different educational and behavioral needs and aspirations, require different strategies
for learning, need a range of different teaching approaches and experiences, and acquire,
assimilate, and communicate information at different rates.
If you are having trouble with your academic courses, please be sure to reach out to your
individual subject teachers for support as a starting point. They will be able to help you with
strategies for success particular to the course in which you are having trouble. WISS also
provides additional guidance for students who are having difficulties through its student
support services, which you may visit at any point.
If you have questions about what student support services might be available to you at WISS,
please contact Mr. D’Airelle at [email protected]
and Dr. Gamito-Gonzalez at [email protected].

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT 36

In order for you to experience success as a learner at WISS, it is important for you to be
socially and emotionally healthy. Specifically, you should have a good understanding as to
who you are as an individual so that you can manage your daily activities well, understand
the perspectives of your peers so that you can relate effectively with them, and make sound
choices about personal and social decisions.

The IB curriculum is an essential learning component that helps you develop important
Approaches to Learning (ATL) strategies, skills, and attributes over a period of time. Social and
emotional learning begins in the Early Years and Primary School. As students progress into
the Secondary School, WISS offers a weekly Life Skills course to all students in Grades 6-10 to
help foster further growth in this area. The course offers programs on a variety of personal
and social challenges facing young children and teenagers today, such as peer pressure,
relationships, community awareness, and time management. At times, the school nurse who
oversees health services will co-lead presentations with the Life Skills teacher to promote
greater understanding about life changes that teenagers experience.

As is typical amongst teenagers who are experiencing a range of emotions and are, at
times, testing boundaries, they may experience difficulty staying on course in socially and
emotionally healthy ways. Students are welcome to seek out school counselors about any
issues they may be facing. The WISS counselling approach aims at facilitating self-knowledge
and growth in order to assist students in resolving personal issues for themselves.

If you have questions about counseling services available to you at WISS, please contact Mr.
D’Airelle at [email protected] and Dr. Gamito-Gonzalez at [email protected].

UNIVERSITY & CAREER GUIDANCE

At WISS, we believe that the college process is one of self-discovery and personal growth.
As such, we help support you along the path of finding the best fit and match of a higher
education institution through a personalized one-on-one approach. Starting in Grade 10,
you will identify and discuss with the college counsellor a range of important factors which
may influence your university choice such as country location, career interest, academic
programme, and cost. The results of these conversations are instructive in helping you shape
an appropriate course of study as you transition from the MYP to the DP or CP in your final
two years of study at WISS.

As you move into Grades 11 and 12, you will work closely with the college counsellor on
identifying possible future careers and narrowing down a list of universities. You will also work
side-by-side with the college counsellor on the logistical process of submitting applications
to universities. Some required tasks include: obtaining transcripts, requesting letters of
recommendation, writing essays and personal statements, and completing standardized
testing if necessary. College counselling at WISS takes place in a variety of different formats
throughout the three-year period, including all grade presentations, small group workshops,
and one-on-one discussions.

If you have questions regarding university and career guidance, please reach out to
the DP coordinator Ms. Singleton [email protected]
or the CP coordinator Mr. Paterson [email protected]

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

ACADEMIC RECORDS

How your progress at school is reported…

37

PROGRESS REPORTS

As a Secondary student, you will receive regular feedback from your teachers on your work
through ManageBac. In addition, you will also receive progress reports with course grades,
ATL grades (approaches to learning), and comments written by your teachers. If you are in
Grades 6-10, you will receive reports by semester twice a year in January and June. and if
you are in Grades 11 & 12, you will receive reports by quarter four times a year in October,
January, April, and June (Grade 12 does not receive a June report but rather a final report in
April). Reports are published through Managebac and are sent out to students and parents by
email.
Please note that grades at WISS for all Secondary students are cumulative throughout an
academic year and can include a number of factors including homework, tests, projects, class
participation, etc. The final grades released in June are a reflection of the work throughout
the full academic year.

TRANSCRIPTS 38

As you progress through the years in Secondary, an official academic transcript will be
updated each year to reflect your courses grades. Transcripts are updated once a year at the
conclusion of the final academic term. There is one grade per course placed on the transcript.
A grade point average (GPA) on a 7.0 scale is calculated each year for students in Grades 9-12.

If you need a transcript for university application purposes as a Grade 12 student, please
contact Ms. Xia at txia@wiss. For all other transcript requests in Grades 9-11, please contact
Mr. D’Airelle at [email protected] and Ms. Xia in the secondary office at [email protected].

PREDICTED IB SCORES

If you are in Grade 12, we will collect predicted IB scores for you twice a year in November
and April to gauge your progress in earning your IB diploma. Please note that the first set of IB
scores are collected with the purpose of sharing scores with universities, and the second set
are collected and submitted to the IB prior to exams. Both sets of scores will be shared with
students, and the final set will be officially emailed to parents in advance of the exams in May.

THE WISS DIPLOMA

At the successful conclusion of your studies in Grade 12, you will receive an official WISS
high school diploma. This diploma is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and
Colleges (WASC) in the United States. The WASC diploma is recognized internationally by
many colleges and universities and is often helpful to students in the admissions process.

MYP CERTIFICATES

Please note that WISS does not issue IB diplomas, including the MYP Certificate. To receive the
MYP Certificate, students must successfully complete the Personal Project, Service As Action,
ePortfolios and onscreen eAssessments. MYP Certificates are sent to the school, by the IB,
in September of each year for students who completed the work of the MYP in the previous
school year.

For more information about the MYP Certificate, please visit www.ibo.org or reach out to your
MYP coordinator, Mr. D’Airelle at [email protected].

THE IB DIPLOMA

Students will receive their IB results through the IB website in early July, whilst their official
documents will be forwarded to WISS in September.

For more information, please see www.ibo.org. Please also reach out to either your DP
coordinator Ms. Singleton [[email protected]] or your CP coordinator Mr. Paterson
[[email protected]] depending on your programme of study for additional support.

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

WISS SECONDARY STUDENT HANDBOOK  |  2020-2021

COMMUNICATION WITH
PARENTS/GUARDIANS

How your parents/guardians are included in your education...

Your parents/guardians are a big part of your WISS experience. As such we welcome them
into our community often for school-wide events. In addition, we keep them posted on your
academic progress throughout the year. If at any point you are having academic trouble in
your courses or are not meeting the expectations we have for you as a student, they will
be contacted by teachers and/or administrators. Parents/Guardians will also be able to track
your academic progress in your courses on ManageBac with their own accounts. They are also
welcome to contact your teachers at any point.

We offer parents/guardians several opportunities to come into school to touch base on student
progress at WISS.

39 PARENT/GUARDIAN CONFERENCES

Twice a year, in November and March, your parents/guardians are invited in to meet one-
on-one with your teachers to discuss the work that you are doing in your courses. This is an
opportunity for them to understand better how they can help support you at home in being
the best student you can be. You are encouraged to attend these meetings with your parents/
guardians.

STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

At the end of the year in May, if you are a student in Grades 6-9, you will take part in creating
your own student-led event alongside your classmates to showcase your learning inside and
outside of the classroom throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding student led
conferences, please email Mr. D’Airelle at [email protected].